Cannot get new hens into coop!! at all! slept outside!

[philipsgirl21]

I have spent months researching chickens, and almost as long perfecting our coop. We decided to pay the price for already or near laying birds. I picked up six hens today, from two different sources. I introduced them all to the coop, straight our of their box. Only one instantly left the coop. A bit later they were all happily hopping around my yard searching for bugs. As the sun began to go down, problems mounted...Three of six got themselves into the coop without any help/coaxing, etc. Two ended up in a tree, and the last remained at ground level. Now it's 11pm and the two are still up in a tree. The last is out in my yard, sure to be eaten by raccoons, after three+ hours of me trying to guide/corral/catch and replace in the coop with no luck. Feeling devastated and defeated, I'm resolved to idea that I may wake up to three fewer hens than I began with. My question is this: what am I to do with them tomorrow? Clearly I don't have the power to place these beauties in the coop, nor do they seem to get that's what it is...Have I just completely made a terrible mistake in getting older birds who aren't used to me? Is there a way to coax them into the coop at all? Even early in the day? I want to allow them out all day to roam free in my yard. If I can get them into the coop, do I lock them in for a time to readjust them to our coop? Don't know what to do!

 

[Break an Egg]

Lock them in for a week or two. They will then know where to be at night.

 

[philipsgirl21]

Thanks, but how do I get those three into the coop? One, a blue andalusian is so flighty I'm sure not to catch her. The slw that is in the yard is obviously not catchable... The rir, perhaps.. How do I coax them in?

 

[chkn]

Go out now and catch them. Its easy at night. Yes, keep them in the coop for a day or two to adjust.

 

[sunnyzoopet]

..yes,just put the chicken in the coops for about 3days, they will get used to the coops.

 

[peanutgallery]

Don't know if this will help, but we had trouble with one of our pullets. My husband and I came at her from both sides and kept prodding toward the coop. When she saw the others in there, she followed and went in.

 

[ladrholman]

If you happen to know a favorite treat they may come for that... I had 2 pullets that I got who were determined to stay outside or perch elsewhere....required persistence in enforcing where the coop is... I still have to make sure they are not roosting in the barn. BUt they are better now/.

 

[ams3651]

try some treats, sunflower seed, grapes, corn. toss them some first and lead them into the coop. If they wont go try picking them from where they are roosting at night, they shouldnt fly off. Maybe put something up near the coop for them to roost on so its easier. When you do get them keep them inside for several days so they know where they are supposed to go and also so they know where they are supposed to lay. Keep trying. On occasion I had to get help and corner a stray one when I needed them inside. You mention predators, if you dont already it would be a good idea to set up an enclosed run and only let them out to free range later in the day or when you are home, they should go right back inside when the sun starts to go down. Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Bird Collector]

I recently had the same problem with my new D'uccle. She was still recieving the pecking order and decided her place to sleep at night was in a tree within their run. So for about two to three weeks every night I had to get the ladder and get her down and put her in the coop. I cut her flight feathers but she still has enough vertical flight to make her branch. She has finally been sleeping in with her flock sisters. Ocassionally I will find her in the tree. But now i get to keep the ladder in the shed and not next to their run/coop. whoops forgot to mention I had to wait until dark each night before I could get her.